Dining Out

BRIARPATCH CO-OP NATURAL FOODS COMMUNITY MARKET
Breakfast, lunch and dinner: hot soups, entrees, salad bar, wraps, sandwiches, burritos, burgers and more. Meat, vegetarian, vegan, glutten-free and raw dishes using organic or natural ingredients. Open 7 days, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Breakfast Mon.-Fri., 7-10 a.m. 290 Sierra College Dr., GV. 272-5333 briarpatch.coop

IKE’S QUARTER CAFE
Ike’s serves organic New Orleans style cuisine with an upbeat twist and something for everyone. Menu items include classics such as Jambalaya, including a vegetarian version; bumbo, blackened catfish and po’ boy sandwiches. Ike’s burgers also are famous, made from naturally raised beef. Open Mon.-Wed., thurs, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri-Sun, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., closed Tuesday; Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner all day. 401 Commercial St., NC. 265-6138 ikesquartercafe.com

KAIDO
This Japanese restaurant offers both sushi as well as tempura. Specials like the seven samurai sushi roll, with seven different layers of fish, present feasts to the eyes and the taste buds. The chef’s focus is on keeping the food light and natural. Old Japanese movies on a screen serve as a backdrop to help set the mood. Wine and beer. Wed.-Sun. 5-9 p.m. Lunch Thurs.-Sat. noon-2 p.m. 207 W. Main St., GV. 274-0144. kaidosushi.com

KANE’S
Sophisticated down home comfort food. White tablecloths, but casual and elegant attire are welcome. Italian fare and creative specials such as seafood pasta. Heart healthy dishes. Free parking in the rear. Value specials 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. Open daily Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 120 E. Main, GV, 273-8111 kanesrestaurant.com

LAS KATARINAS
Traditional family recipies from Mexico but with Delia’s own unique touches. Each order is prepared fresh from scratch as received, including the sauces. No lard used. Specialities include carne asada and tinga. Though just a standard item, the Spanish rice is amazing with its unique flavorful zing. Loyal customers club. Beer and wine. Open Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (closed Tues.), Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 311 Broad St., NC. 478-0275 laskatrinas.com

LEFTY’S GRILL
Lefty’s Grill is a casual dining restaurant located in the heart of Nevada City’s historic district, owned and operated by two left-handed chefs, some of the area’s top talent. Lefty’s Grill hand prepares all dishes from scratch, with specialty dishes and unique sandwiches. Try the Gourmet Burger or Grilled Flatbread Pizza. Seasonal dinners. Beer and Wine. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 221 Broad St., NC. 265-1947. leftysgrill.com

MARIA’S
Family style Mexican restaurant with traditional choices plus a range of new light fare. Maria always adds her own creative twists to old family recipies. Old favorites and new entrees like freshly roasted poblano chile enchiladas. Carry out and catering available. Full bar. Open daily. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 226 E. Main St., GV 274-2040 marias-grassvalley.com

MATTEO’S PUBLIC
“It’s pub-o-licious!” Family friendly eatery offers pub snacks to full entrees including Gnarly Garlic Fries, Wily Wonderful Wings, salad bar stocked with locally grown, organic items, fish and chips, Stinky Mac & Cheese, homemade desserts. Wine, specialty micro-brews. Rotating art exhibits. Live music Thurs.-Sun. Indoor and outdoor dining. Open Wed.-Thurs., Sun. noon-9:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. noon-midnight 300 Commercial St., NC, 265-0782 matteospublic.com

MONKEY CAT
One of the Sierra Foothills’ tastiest upscale bistros. The menu is varied and always offers fish, meat, poultry and pasta. At Monkey Cat you can plan to eat either inside the restaurant itself or in the outdoor patio which contains a bar. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11:30-2 p.m. Dinner begins at 5 p.m., 7 days a week. Dog friendly, Wi-fi accessible. 805 Lincoln Way, downtown Auburn. 888-8492. monkeycat.com

OLD 5 MILE HOUSE
Five minutes outside of Nevada City, this re-opened restaurant serves tasty roadhouse eats from around the world. House specialities: Argentine-style churasco-fired skirt steak, Tankara tandori shrimp, plus standbys like smoked ribs, grilled fresh veggie 3-cheese lasagna and pizzas from a stone hearth oven. Full bar with unique micro-brews. Live music Tues.-Thurs. Indoor and outdoor dining. Open Tues.Sun. 12-9 p.m. 18851 State Hwy. 20, NC, 265-5155 theoldfivemilehouse.com

SOPA THAI
Family owned and operated restaurant. Authentic decor sets the mood. Patio dining available during the warmer weather. Extensive menu for entrees. The chef also prepares the level of spice to your taste, from Thai chili hot to mild. Favorite dishes include mango red curry and pineapple fried rice. 312-316 Commercial St., NC. 470-0101 Mon.-Sun. 12-9:30 p.m.; 720 Plumas St., Yuba City 790-7672 Mon-Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m., Sun. 12-9 p.m. sopathai.net

SUMMER THYME’S
Gourmet natural food restaurant specializing in bakery, deli and espresso. A warm place where friends gather to meet and enjoy healthy food and conversation. Order the awesome muffins en masse for meetings and special gatherings. Local artists rotate exhibits in their gallery. Check out the website for recipies. Music, Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 421 Colfax Avenue, GV. 273-2904 summerthymes.com

TASTE OF THAI
Taste of Thai offers authentic cuisine prepared by a Thai-trained chef. The restaurant (there are three in Sacramento) was named one of the 100 best Thai restaurants in the U.S. The food is flavorful and healthy with the freshest of ingredients (no msg). Offering both take-out and catering as well as wine and beer. Open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 4-9 p.m. In the Alpha Building in downtown historic Grass Valley. 204 W. Main St., Ste. 103 274-2968 tasteofthaisac.net

TOFANELLI’S
A convergence of California cuisine, Italian-inspired dishes and tasteful kitchen artistry of Tof’s owner/chef, Susie. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a full cocktail lounge. Enjoy excellent food featuring specials including Sun: Steak and Lobster, Tues: Prime Rib, Wed-Thur. Pot Roast, all-you-can-eat pasta with your choice of three pastas – Pene Rigate, Linguine or Fettuccini. Top that with your choice of savory sauces – Classic Marinara, Creamy Alfredo or Fresh Basil Pesto. Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., and until 10 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 302 W. Main St., GV, 272-1468 tofanellis.com